A research team from the University of Queensland have developed a drug with promising potential to minimise the damage caused by heart attacks and strokes.

The secret ingredient?

The venom of one of the world’s deadliest creatures: the funnel-web spider.

According to the World Health Organisation, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The research team, consisting of Professor Glenn King, Associate Professor Mark Smythe and Dr Nathan Palpant, are eager to combat this global challenge and are striding towards a pharmacological solution.

The team have found significant benefits in mice and rats, with human trials set to begin next year.

Image: Image: Courtesy of University of Queensland

Produced By: Sophie Coghill

Featured In Story: Glenn King, Professor and Group Leader at the University of Queensland Institute for Molecular Bioscience

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 5 July 2022